Why Turkey?

Istanbul – the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia, gives it a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures and traditions

Cradle of some of the world’s oldest civilizations and empires - the Hittites, Lycians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman; Catalhoyuk – 6500BC – was possibly man’s first settlement.

The only country with two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum

Birthplace of many historical figures – Homer(poet), Herodotus (historian), St. Paul the Apostle, St. Nicolas (known as Santa Claus)

Place of famous Greek, Biblical and Christian legends - The Trojan wars: Helen, Achilles and The Trojan Horse of; Noah’s Ark is believed by some to have settled on Mount Ararat; Alexander Great travelled through the land and cut the ‘Gordion knot’ near Ankara; and local legend places the death of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus

St. Peter’s, Christianity’s first church, was built in Antioch and the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse are situated in Turkey

Many archaeological places and natural wonders including 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Try delicious Turkish cuisine – its mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients makes it one of the most distinctive tastes in the world

Southern Turkey – over 300 days of sunshine and great locations for water sports

Meet friendly and hospitable Turkish people who treat visitors as guests

The chance to treat yourself to a traditional Turkish Bath (hamam)

Test your bargaining skills as you wander around the labyrinth of nearly 4,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar; great value for money